Home › Navsari › Bilimora
TOWN · HERITAGE RAILWAY · CHIKOO BELTBilimora
Gateway to the forest railway — Bilimora, a coastal town of southern Navsari, is the starting point of the much-loved Bilimora–Waghai heritage narrow-gauge railway that winds through the forests to the Dangs, and a centre of the famous chikoo orchards of the south Gujarat coast.
A town of railways and orchards
Bilimora is a town in the south of Navsari district, near the coast at the mouth of the Ambika river — a busy market and railway town with a particular charm for the traveller: it is the starting point of the historic Bilimora–Waghai narrow-gauge railway.
This heritage railway, a relic of the princely era built under the Gaekwads of Baroda, winds its way from Bilimora on the coast up into the forested hill country towards Waghai, on the edge of the Dangs — a slow, scenic journey through forests, fields and small stations that is one of the most charming train rides in Gujarat. For lovers of heritage railways and slow travel, the Bilimora–Waghai line is a delight.
Bilimora and the surrounding country are also a centre of the famous chikoo (sapota) orchards of the south Gujarat coast — the Gandevi-Bilimora belt is renowned for this sweet fruit, and the orchards are a characteristic feature of the landscape. The town itself has its temples, its markets and its riverside character, serving as a base and gateway for exploring the southern part of Navsari district and the route up into the Dang forests.
Bilimora–Waghai forest railway. Source: Wikimedia Commons.
From a riverside experiment to the road to freedom
Bilimora–Waghai railway. Wikimedia Commons.
At the Ambika mouth.
The narrow-gauge line.
Forest railway to the Dangs.
Famous orchards.
Reasons to make the time
Heritage rail
Bilimora–Waghai line.
Forest ride
Through the woods.
Chikoo
Famous orchards.
Temples
Town shrines.
Ambika
Riverside town.
Gateway
To the Dangs.
What to look for inside
Bilimora–Waghai
A heritage line.
Green country
Towards the Dangs.
Bilimora
A town shrine.
The narrow gauge
A Gaekwad-era line.
Chikoo belt
The famous fruit country.
Ambika mouth
A coastal market town.
How to spend an hour or two
Ride the heritage railway
Bilimora to Waghai.
Wind through the forest
A scenic journey.
See the chikoo orchards
The famous belt.
Visit the town temples
Local shrines.
Walk the riverside
The Ambika town.
Continue to the Dangs
The forest frontier.
Bilimora–Waghai railway. Wikimedia Commons.
Railway, river and orchards
Bilimora is a coastal market and railway town at the mouth of the Ambika river — the starting point of the historic Bilimora–Waghai narrow-gauge railway, a Gaekwad-era heritage line that winds through forests and fields up towards the Dangs in one of Gujarat’s most charming train rides.
The surrounding country is a centre of the famous chikoo orchards of the south Gujarat coast. A market and railway town, the heritage railway is the highlight; combine with the chikoo country and the forests.
Start of the Bilimora–Waghai heritage narrow-gauge railway
A scenic forest railway of the Gaekwad era
A centre of the famous south Gujarat chikoo orchards
A coastal market town at the Ambika river mouth
When to go
Cool and pleasant — ideal.
Lush forests; green coast.
Warm and humid; sea breeze.
⏰ Winter is ideal across coastal-and-forest Navsari.
Timings & entry
- Starts from Bilimora on the coast
- Winds through forest towards Waghai
- A Gaekwad-era narrow-gauge line
- One of Gujarat's most charming train rides
- Famous orchards of sweet sapota
- A characteristic feature of the landscape
- Best in the cooler months
- Combine with the town markets and temples
Getting there
By Air
Surat airport is roughly 40 km away — the nearest air link to Bilimora.
By Rail
Navsari is the main-line station nearby; Bilimora is also the head of the heritage narrow-gauge line.
By Road
NH-48 connects Bilimora with Surat and Valsad and the rest of south Gujarat.
Shooting Bilimora
FOREST-RAILWAY FRIENDLY
Forest, river and the slow narrow-gauge train make for charming frames
Best light
Early morning and late afternoon, when the forest light is soft along the line.
What to shoot
The narrow-gauge train, forest stations, the Ambika riverside and the chikoo orchards.
Out on the line
The Bilimora–Waghai ride frames forest, fields and small country stations.
Gear tip
A standard zoom suits the train and town; go wider for the river and orchard landscapes.
Know before you go
More to see close by
Where to eat around the ashram
Parsi food
Dhansak & patra-ni-machhi.
Locho & ponk
South Gujarat snacks.
Chikoo
Gandevi-Bilimora orchards.
South Gujarat flavours
Expect Parsi classics, Surti snacks and the famous local chikoo.
Bilimora FAQ
What is Bilimora known for?
The Bilimora–Waghai heritage railway and the chikoo orchards.
What is the heritage railway?
A Gaekwad-era narrow-gauge line winding through forest to Waghai.
What is chikoo?
Sapota — a sweet fruit; the Bilimora-Gandevi belt is famous for it.
Where is Bilimora?
On the coast of southern Navsari, at the Ambika river mouth.
Is it a gateway?
Yes — to the Dang forests via the railway.
What else to see?
Town temples, the riverside and the orchards.
Related places across Gujarat
Baba Pyara Caves
Ancient rock-cut shelters hidden in the hills
Ayurveda University
A renowned centre of traditional healing
Hiran River
The lifeline river of the lion forest
Dhrangadhra Sandstone
Old royal town carved from golden stone
Ambika Niketan
A riverside temple to goddess Ambika
Tapi
Ukai dam & river country
WHERE TO STAY
Find your stay in Gujarat
Compare live prices across the big booking sites and reserve in a few taps. Booking happens securely on the partner's site — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
SHOP THE REGION
Bring home Gujarat — & travel essentials
Hand-picked crafts and trip gear, available on Amazon.